Aeromagnetic Data and horizontal gradient maxima of Blythe, California, and Surrounding Areas in California and Arizona

This data release provides access to an aeromagnetic survey and magnetization boundaries over Blythe, California and surrounding areas in southern California and western Arizona. The survey extends east of Joshua Tree National Park across the Colorado River and west over the Dome Rock, Trigo, and Plomosa Mountains in Arizona. The survey was flown north of the Chocolate Mountains Gunnery Range over the McCoy, Palen, Granite, Iron, and Big and Little Maria Mountains. These data were acquired between January 22 and February 24, 2022, by Eon Geosciences Inc., working under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey. The nominal flying height was based on a best fit, pre-planned, three-dimensional draped surface targeted at 305 m above terrain and a slope of 7%, subject to aircraft climb and descent limitations. Steep terrain in parts of the survey area required significant departures locally from the pre-planned drape surface (as much as 1012 m), and therefore variable terrain clearance should be considered when modeling and interpreting these data. Flight lines were spaced 600 m apart and directed N40E; tie lines were spaced 6000 m apart and directed N50W. A total of 22,273 line-kilometers were acquired over an area of approximately 12,310 square kilometers. The details of the Blythe aeromagnetic survey are described in the document Blythe_Tech_Report.pdf available for download in this data release. This report was prepared by Eon Geosciences Inc., and has not been edited. In addition, horizontal gradient maxima were calculated from the magnetic potential derived from these data to produce locations of crustal magnetization contrasts.